Pakistan Railways is getting a major upgrade to improve its services. Over the next six months, the department will add 43 modern American-made GU-40 locomotives, 70 power plants, and several refurbished passenger coaches.
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi shared this good news while talking to the media. He said these new additions will help solve long-time problems like shortage of engines and coaches. The changes will make passenger and freight services better, improve travel comfort, and increase the railways’ income.
The minister explained that Pakistan Railways suffered for years because of poor maintenance of locomotives and power equipment. But the current government is working hard to fix these issues. All 43 locomotives are expected to arrive by September 30. Seven power plants are being added every month so the whole system can work at full strength soon.
In other positive steps, the minister announced the end of VIP culture in railways. Luxury salons and guest houses that were only for top officials will now be available to the public at reasonable rents.
So far, Pakistan Railways has earned Rs115 billion in revenue. Freight business grew by 27%, and freight income doubled from Rs8 billion to Rs16 billion, even with old equipment. The department is also recovering valuable land that was illegally occupied and plans to lease it through open auctions.
On the local level, agreements have been made with provinces to run more trains. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa approved three routes, Punjab plans eight, and Sindh three. In Balochistan, the “Peoples Train” project will start on August 14 with Rs14 billion support from the province.